Tama County Health Data

Tama County, Iowa

Health Score

68/100

Average

Life Expectancy

76.7 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.5%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

76.7 yr

State avg 77.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.5%

State avg 5.7%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

18

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

48

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Tama County, Iowa

Tama County faces significant health challenges

At 76.7 years, Tama County residents live 2.2 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 17.9% reporting poor or fair health—the highest rate among the eight counties—Tama faces notable population health challenges.

Below-average health outcomes statewide

Tama County's 76.7-year life expectancy falls 1.0 year below Iowa's 77.7-year average, placing it in the lower tier of state health rankings. The 17.9% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Iowa's typical performance.

Lowest provider access in the region

Tama County's 76.7-year life expectancy is the second-lowest in the region, exceeding only Taylor County (76.0 years). With just 18 primary care providers and 48 mental health providers per 100K—far below neighbors like Story County and Scott County—provider access is severely limited.

Critical shortage of healthcare providers

Tama County has the region's most severe provider shortage: only 18 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents—nearly one-fourth the regional average. At 6.5% uninsured and 48 mental health providers per 100K, residents face both coverage gaps and limited access to behavioral health care.

Critical: check your insurance coverage

Tama County's 6.5% uninsured rate is the highest in the eight-county region, and limited provider access makes coverage especially vital. Visit Healthcare.gov immediately or call 1-800-318-2596 to secure Medicaid or marketplace insurance and ensure access to the few available providers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Tama County, IA?
Tama County has a health score of 68/100, rated "Average." It ranks #81 out of 99 counties in Iowa (1 = healthiest). The score is based on CDC County Health Rankings data, combining life expectancy, uninsured rates, provider access, and behavioral health indicators.
What is the life expectancy in Tama County?
Life expectancy in Tama County is 76.7 years. The Iowa state average is 77.7 years, making Tama County below the state average.
How does Tama County health compare to the Iowa average?
Tama County's health score of 68/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Life expectancy is 76.7 years vs. the state average of 77.7 years. The uninsured rate is 6.5% vs. 5.7% statewide.
What health factors affect Tama County?
Key health factors for Tama County include: life expectancy (76.7 years), uninsured rate (6.5%), and primary care physician access (18:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 48:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Tama County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 68/100 ("Average"), Tama County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Iowa. Residents have a life expectancy of 76.7 years. 6.5% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
What are the biggest health challenges in Tama County?
Tama County's health score of 68/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

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Data Sources

Health data sourced from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Data is informational only. Not medical or health advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.